Monrovia, Liberia:  His Excellency President George Manneh Weah has once again reiterated the importance and indispensability of peace, harmony and forgiveness amongst citizens.

 

Speaking at the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 on the grounds of the Executive Mansion, the President pleaded with his countrymen and women to use the goodness of this festive reason and the New Year to pursue the path of peace, forgiveness and harmonious coexistence with one another.

 

President Weah reminded Liberians and foreign residents that this festive period which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, has always been a time of peace and goodwill for all men.

 

“In my view, there is no place and time where this message needs to resonate more loudly and more clearly than in today’s Liberia,” the President said in a short statement. 

 

He added: “This is the message of Christmas—that all men should live together in peace and harmony, and that we should love one another as we love ourselves.”

 

The Liberian leader said it was time to “extend a hand of friendship to each other, forgive each other, and be our brother’s keepers; that we should reach out and care for the less fortunate and underprivileged amongst us, and do always unto others, as we would have them do unto us.”

 

While pursuing peace during this Christmas with each other, President Weah also urged Liberians to reflect on the though experiences of the past and brace themselves for the future.

 

The President acknowledged the resilience with which Liberians collectively faced the many challenges of this year but noted that “by the Grace of God we have persevered and prevailed.”

 

“And as we look forward to the New Year, we remain resolute in our determination to surmount our difficulties, and to continue to steer this Nation to a better and brighter future.”

 

President Weah, on behalf of the First Lady and his entire family, extended best wishes of good health and happiness to all Liberians during this Christmas.

 

The national event is held annually, often characterized by songs of inspirations by some of Monrovia’s best choirs. This year’s event was attended by officials of government as well as members of the diplomatic corps.